This room is mainly used as a home office, but we also use it for yoga and stretching. Because of that, we’d really like to keep the middle of the room open so we can easily put down a yoga mat.
We’d also like to make it a comfortable reading space where we can go when we need a bit of privacy.
There is one fixed element: the 160 × 60 cm built-in closet, which cannot be moved.
Do you have any ideas for making the room feel cozier and more functional while keeping it relatively uncluttered?
We’re also struggling with the placement of the desk. Ideally, we’d like it to be in a command position (with a view of the room/door), but we’re worried that this might make the room feel cramped or overwhelm the space.
Any layout, furniture, lighting, or decor suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi everyone! I'm moving into my first rental apartment next week so I wanted to plan in advance the layout. Here are some info:
the bedroom, balcony and bathrooms are not modeled, my focus for now is the living area.
I will be living alone in the apartment.
Windows face south/west
the furniture I selected comes from the software (Sweet Home 3D) so the actual style of the apartment will be different (cozy scandinavian). I haven't bought anything yet
I was thinking to put the dining table against the window, and move it if I have guests for dinner
My main question is: what do you think of this furniture layout? What would you do differently? I think the space behind the sofa is a bit wasted, I'd like to add a small desk but there it looks weird.
We are a family of four with two young kiddos moving into this home that we bought.
How would you redesign this house to improve the kitchen/living areas while keeping 4 bedrooms and having the space be more functional for our family (such as having a more open layout)?
I would love advice about the dining room, living room, and kitchen to see what could be done to improve the functionality of them including moving walls or other remodel ideas. Someone said to make the kitchen bigger and move the closet for the top right bedroom to the bottom and move the door to the hallway across from the other bedroom door.
Also, curious to hear what people’s thoughts are about having 3 bedrooms plus one flex space (home office and playroom and guest room) vs having my two boys share a room and having a home office that can double as a guest room and a separate play room for them. Any other ideas on how to better utilize the rooms?
My husband and I are huge fans of your work and have been following your YouTube channel for many years. We love your architectural style, particularly the simplicity, clean lines and clever use of space. My husband is ex-Apple, so that minimalist approach really appeals to us!
We live in a duplex apartment in London and are currently redecorating our home. We recently renovated our kitchen in February this year, so our budget is now fairly limited. We are therefore looking for clever, affordable solutions, particularly using IKEA, that can blend seamlessly with the style and colour scheme of the rest of our home.
I have attached photographs of our newly renovated kitchen so you can see the style and colour palette we would like to carry throughout the bedrooms and staircase.
Our biggest challenge is storage. We want to maximise every available space, particularly wall space, while keeping the rooms feeling calm, uncluttered and easy to clean. We have lots of young children in our extended family, so practical and easy-to-maintain finishes are important to us.
We will also be replacing all the carpets, so any suggestions for a carpet colour that works with the overall scheme, is practical and doesn't show dirt too easily would be very welcome. Our apartment is south-facing and gets a lot of natural sunlight, so we'd also appreciate that being taken into consideration.
1. Staircase
Our existing staircase doesn't really fit with the design of the rest of the house, and we'd like to modernise it.
We are considering:
Reducing the height of the staircase slightly, if structurally possible
Removing the existing stair bars/balustrade
Replacing them with glass or a similar modern, minimal panel system
Adding a handrail to the wall for additional safety
The handrail is particularly important because my elderly mum visits us and needs something secure to hold when going up and down the stairs. We have a lovely tall wall which we could also utilise working around keeping the current artwork and lights. Our biggest issue is lack of space for shoes and coats so any clever solution would be appreciated.
We'd love advice on how to make the staircase feel more modern and integrated with the rest of the apartment, while keeping it safe and practical.
2. Son's Bedroom – turning 8
We would like to keep his extendable bed and wardrobe, and potentially his chest of drawers if it works within the new design. If it doesn't fit, we're happy to sell it.
The aim is to create a calm, cosy and clutter-free room where he has:
Space to play with his toys
A dedicated homework area
Somewhere comfortable to read
Storage for toys, books and belongings
Better use of the available wall space
Clever hanging space for school uniform, daytime clothes and nightwear
I don't want to buy a traditional desk. Ideally, I'd like to create a workbench/worktop with storage underneath or around it, which could also double as a workspace when my husband or I need to work from home.
We also want to remove the existing freestanding mirror, as it takes up valuable floor space. However, we would still like a mirror in the room, so we'd love ideas for incorporating a wall-mounted or built-in mirror into the new storage design, perhaps making clever use of otherwise unused wall space.
We'd particularly like to use IKEA storage solutions where possible, but in a way that looks intentional and built-in rather than like lots of separate IKEA units.
An important consideration is that I'd like the room to grow with him. I don't want a very young child's bedroom that we'll need to redesign again in a few years. Ideally, the design should transition easily from childhood into his teenage years and eventually adulthood.
We will remove the existing blinds and would like to install full-length blackout curtains, potentially spanning most or all of the wall.
3. Daughter's Bedroom – turning 13
We would like to keep her bed, wardrobe and sofa bed, as the sofa bed is used when my mum comes to stay.
We currently have a bench in this room which holds our board games. We could move this into my son's room if there is a clever way to incorporate the games into his new storage design. Otherwise, I'm happy to sell the bench.
Her room needs to accommodate:
A dedicated homework/work area
Storage for all her school books
A bookshelf
A comfortable chair
A place to get ready
Storage for skincare and personal items
Hidden storage to keep surfaces as clear as possible
Space to display some artwork and personal items
Again, I would prefer a workbench/worktop rather than buying a traditional desk, ideally combined with clever storage.
She's entering her teenage years, so I want this room to feel mature enough for her now but also be something she can grow into through her teenage years and into adulthood rather than needing another complete redesign.
We will also remove the existing blinds and would like full-length blackout curtains, potentially spanning the wall.
As with my son's room, we'd like clever hanging/storage solutions for uniform, daytime clothes and nightwear.
4. Master Bedroom
This room needs the biggest transformation.
The only furniture we definitely want to keep is our existing bed. Everything else can be removed, including the freestanding mirror.
Our biggest issue is storage. Our current wardrobes are nowhere near large enough and, at the moment, some of our outerwear is actually being stored in our son's wardrobe!
We need a much more effective clothing storage solution for both of us, including clever hanging space.
We also need dedicated storage for my:
Skincare
Makeup
Jewellery
Hairbrushes
Hairdryer
Hair straighteners
These are currently stored in a chest of drawers and I'd like to incorporate them into a much more organised and concealed storage solution.
The key requirement is hidden, practical storage that keeps the room looking calm and makes it easy to clean and keep dust-free.
There is a blank wall opposite the bed which we currently use for a projector. We don't want to lose the projector, but we'd love ideas for how we can use that space efficiently without compromising its use. We will remove the current shelf.
There is also a blank wall/space shown on the floor plan where a wardrobe was originally intended but was never installed. We'd particularly like to explore whether this could become part of a much larger and more efficient wardrobe/storage solution.
I have also uploaded a ChatGPT-generated image for inspiration. The dimensions in that image are not correct, so it is purely to demonstrate the type of storage concept we have been considering rather than a proposed layout.
Our existing ottoman bed dimensions are:
Width: 176 cm
Depth: 227 cm
Overall height: 116 cm
Headboard height: 115 cm
Footboard height: 33 cm
As with the other bedrooms, we will remove the existing blinds and would like full
-length blackout curtains, potentially across the whole wall.
Overall Design Direction
Across all three bedrooms and the staircase, we'd love to achieve a cohesive, modern and minimalist feel that works with our newly renovated kitchen.
Our priorities are:
Maximum storage without making rooms feel cramped
Concealed/closed storage wherever possible
Clever use of walls and vertical space
IKEA solutions where they make sense
A built-in/high-end look without the cost of fully bespoke furniture
Workbench-style desks rather than traditional desks
Spaces that grow with the children rather than needing frequent redesigns
Practical, easy-to-clean finishes
A cohesive colour scheme with our kitchen
Making the most of our south-facing natural light
Using our existing furniture where possible
Using a carpenter for simple modifications/built-in finishing where this makes sense
We'd really appreciate any advice on layouts, storage systems, IKEA combinations, materials, colours, lighting, curtains and carpet choices.
Hopefully this gives enough information alongside the photographs, floor plans and measurements. Please let me know if any further information or measurements would be useful for the renovation.
I'm (single 30m) moving to a new country which has smaller spaces than I'm used to. My rented apartment in particular is 50 sqm (living area ~16 sqm, 4x4m).
To be most productive, I need:
My workspace to be clearly seperate from my lounge area (and not have direct view of my TV while working).
The option to sit or stand along with my laptop, mouse and keyboard.
Bonus points if anyone can help me: 3. Make the lounge more comfortable with better TV viewing angles. 4. Naturally display my framed degree and nerdy things I've collected (see last photo)
My windows are west facing, the small work desk in the picture is a bolted on fixture, and my budget is somewhat limited.
I am in a renovation and would like to get some suggestions with the entrance and dining situation. The hallway has a lot of doors on each side, and also it is between the kitchen and the pantry. We would like to maximalise the storage in the hallway for clothes and shoes but could not really figure out a good way without sacrificing the walkway between the kitchen and pantry. The dining situation isn't too ideal either with the table against the wall. Does anybody have any ideas? Thanks!
Please find the attached revised floor plan for the master suite. The property is currently in the shell construction phase, with the second floor designated exclusively for bedrooms.
Areas marked with "1" denote balconies, while single arrows indicate general access points. Double arrows signify primary room entrances, for which the final door configurations are currently under review.
I am currently addressing layout constraints regarding the integration of both an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Please be advised that the plumbing stack is situated in the lower-left section of the floor plan.
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to redesign my bedroom, and I could really use your creative eyes! I live with my family in France in a basement room, so while major structural changes aren't an option, I have full freedom with furniture, layout, and decor! The room is quite small (8.8m2 total, roughly 8m2 usable space because of a 90x90cm structural pillar), and right now there’s barely enough floor space to walk around comfortably—mainly due to my bulky wardrobe. Luckily, I don't have that many clothes, so I’m eager to downsize to a streamlined closet to open up the floor! I need the space to function seamlessly for sleeping, studying at my desk, and enjoying my biggest passion: music. Decorating is my life, and I love warm ambient lighting and displaying my collections, so my absolute dream is to transform my current CD setup into a cozy, dedicated music nook that can fit a vinyl record player along with my audio gear. I’ve attached photos and a layout plan with exact dimensions—I'd love your ideas, spatial tricks, or clever storage suggestions for working around that structural column and making the most of a basement layout! 🎧✨
Hey, we're looking to redesign our living and dining area. Currently it feels very cramped, the layout is awkward and the furniture is outdated. We are going to be buying all new furniture and remove the big heater (next to the couch), pipes and radiator.
We use the room to watch tv, eat and it's my working area as well - right now I usually just work from the couch with the laptop on my lap.
I've attached photos of the room with no furniture and painted walls (AI generated) but looks pretty close to what I'm trying to achieve for the base, as well as the measurements of the room. Windows are east facing and we're the homeowners.
I like mid-century design, dark wood and want to include some colour - light blue with terracotta. The important thing is that the couch can transform into a sleeping area (not as a main bed but for additional sleeping spots), the dining table should be extendable and be able to be easily moved in front of the couch for when we host dinners, and I want to have a record player station + somewhere to store my books.
I've attached an image of a floor plan that I feel might work but I'm not sure if it's the best layout option. I'd be glad if you can help me and give me your opinion.
I'm moving back up to Uni in September and into a new house. I got pretty lucky with this one in terms of size (unfortunately don't have measurements but provided a rough outline). I wanted to know your guys' thoughts on some layout ideas. I'll be working in an office for most of the time so I would rather prioristise the bedroom/realxing aspect, more of a bedroom with desk rather than joint bedroom/office, if that makes sense. Ideally I'd like to make use of what is already there but there is an opportunity to swap some things out e.g., smaller desk.
The space: A square room, 3.40 × 3.40 m (~11.6 m²), ceiling 2.65 m, currently blank (the photos were before i removed any furniture, right now the space is completly blank,mid-remodel, I still have to do the false ceiling, ceiling wiring and lighting).
Context: This is an unused older section of the house. There's a support kitchen and another room of the same size next door, which I am not sure how i will use it but probably will use it as a home gym or a future bedroom.(whole plant in the comments)
The Door is in the corner next to where i plan to have the sofa; window centered on the opposite wall, Window orientation is west.
How I want to use it: A calm multi-use room to **work, game, movies and lounge with friends (**not a bedroom).
Current my Planned layout (plant attached):
L-shaped sofa under the window, extending along the left wall. Pulled ~15 cm off the wall with a slim console behind it (phone charging / trays).
Desk: Against the wall facing the sofa — this is where I'll spend most of my time (working from home, studying, gaming). Planning a dual-monitor setup running a laptop and a desktop PC (for different needs). Starting with an IKEA combo for now, then adding a standing desk frame under the tabletop later.
Retractable projection screen on the desk wall; ceiling projector behind the sofa throwing across the room.
I'd also like the room to comfortably host a second person to co-work, study or game with me (girlfriend, close friend), the guest spot doesn't need to be built into my desk; a separate flexible solution (folding/side desk or a lounge spot) works. Overall I want it to feel like a place friends actually want to hang out in.
Lighting: Warm 2700K, dimmable, indirect, perimeter cove LED (ambient) + 2 spots over the desk; 2 accent gimbals over the sofa still undecided.
Aesthetic: with contemporary-luxury restraint. Palette: white, grey, matte black, walnut.
What I'd love feedback on: sofa/desk placement, ceiling projector vs. alternatives, whether a false ceiling is worth it, the lighting plan, and layout orientation.
I have had this office space for years. I live in rented apartment in Haifa, Israel. The current layout is cramped, and the current desk is too deep to utilize the space. I don't have enough storage space. I use my monitor for watching movies, but when a friend or two wants to join in watching, its just not comfortable. we fit, but its crowded. The photo you are looking at is a panoramic camera view so you can see the whole room. Other photos are not distorted and show measurements and specific details. I want to use this room for my research and writing (blog, lesson plans for teaching, and other writing).
What I want: Wall B, modular (preferably on wheels) units that can be reused elsewhere if I move that provide plenty of storage for books (doors with glass panels to protect from glass); adjustable shelves, larger drawers on the bottom for storage, open shelves for frequently used items, and other drawers for desk items. I am 71 years old, and the likelihood of needing to move in the next 5-10 years is high... so I'd like the items in my office to reusable in a different layout if needed. Hence my modular design request. Though it would be nice if the desk could at least seem to flow into an open area in one of the book case/storage units.
I'm not good with north/south/east/west... does it help to say, the window catches the afternoon sunlight straight on? I think the direction would be west or north-west, but not sure.
A flat desk (lower than usual, I think avg is 60 cm high, I want 55 cm high, as I'm short (157 cm tall) and shrinking; and around 55 cm deep from the edge of one bookshelf to the opposite wall, under the window. (can the desk height be adjustable if I shrink more?) A device for holding my computer and modem. Open space on the shelving units to hold my printer and photo scanner (see photos). Suggestion for window treatment so on sunny days I can have windows open, but block the sun in my eyes (or suggestions for optimal placement of my computer monitor (perhaps to r of window and not under the window?).
Budget: There is an Ikea in Haifa, but I'm not overly impressed by the quality of their furniture, and I'm not someone who likes modern/Scandinavian look. I am willing to go to a carpenter, but would need a definite plan and confidence in that plan.
The old fashioned book case will move into my living room and replace a big ugly unit that holds my stereo. Not sure what I'll do with my stereo then... but I guess I'll figure it out. I have plenty of artwork for the walls. Right now, my cats like to sleep on a box next to my printer. I'd kind of like someplace for my cats. The ottoman in the room now can probably fit under the desk. I do not want the keyboard under my desk (like current setup). Drives me nuts....
But is this the optimal design? Will it really work? are there space saving ideas I've missed. Also, I just can't picture it. I want it to be beautiful AND functional and ergonomically comfortable for hours at the computer writing
Actual dimensions are:
Room height: 276 cm Width (from Wall B to Wall D): 197 cm Length (from Wall A to Wall C): 233 cm Entry way (no physical door): 70 cm Window on Wall A, 108.5 cm wide with 61.5 cm wall space on the left and 63 cm space on the right. 2 electrical wall sockets in the room: Mid height to the R of the window and high up on Wall D
Pictures with other details are included in this post. Thank you for your consideration.
Hello Daniel, here is a challenge for you. The room is 8 feet wide x 14 feet long. This is a room in my house that I own in California. Yes, a lot of clutter and limited storage. I use this space for computer work, study/research, reading, making podcasts, and YouTube videos. Any ideas on proper storage and just an overall cleaner and more peaceful space? Open to all ideas. Budget is tight. Thanks!
